VANCOUVER – In a move that will likely send more shivers through the traditional radio community, Telus and XM Canada today announced the exclusive availability of Telus Mobile Radio – powered by XM Canada.
It’s the first service to offer Canadians access to real-time streaming satellite radio programming, including music, comedy, talk and entertainment – all from their mobile phones.
"This is another fantastic ‘first’ for XM Canada. The launch today represents the first time that satellite radio will be distributed in partnership with a wireless provider in Canada," said Stephen Tapp, president and COO of XM Canada.
Operating on Telus’ Wireless High Speed and 1X networks, Telus Mobile Radio offers a live digital streaming radio service, with unlimited access to 20 stations: Bluesville, BPM, Chrome, Ethel, Flight 26, Fred, High Voltage, RAW, Real Jazz, Soul Street, Suite 62, The City, The Joint, The Rhyme, The Verge, Top 20 on 20, Top Tracks, U.S. Country, XM Comedy and XM Pops. As well, Telus Mobile Radio subscribers will receive a rich, interactive audio experience, with hosting infrastructure and radio application powered by mobile multimedia entertainment company, mSpot.
Some fretting is sure to surface over the channel lineup as just one of the XM channels in the list, The Verge, is Canadian – and none are French-language.
Telus Mobile Radio is initially available on the LG 8100 and Samsung A950 phones, two exclusive multimedia flip phones, by wirelessly downloading the application directly to the handsets. The phones also feature a wide variety of other SPARK multimedia services.
The service is included in the SPARK 25 feature bundle or can be added on to any voice plan for just $15 per month. Until July 31, 2006, clients can experience Telus Mobile Radio without fee on a two-month introductory trial offer.
